Frank n



(No Model.)

F. N. RUSSELL. SHEET METAL CAN.

Patented Anr. '2, 1895.

we NORRIS PETERS co, movmumownsumcmn o c JNrTED STATES ATENT Prion.

FRANK N. RUSSELL, OF ELMIRA, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO LEWVIS D. PARKHURST, OF SAME PLACE.

SHEET-METAL CAN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 536,970, dated April 2 1895.

Application filed November 6,1894. Serial No. 528,087. (No model.)

the following to be a'full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use the same. I

My invention relates to an improvement in sheet metal cans.

Heretofore sheet metal cans have been constructed with a special view to efiecting a quick and easy removal of the can top from the can but in so doing the can has been more orless weakened so that in Processing the contents of the can the weakened part has frequently given Way entirely or else its strength has been so much impaired that it has caused damage to the canned goods contained therein by allowing the admission of air thereto. A word with relation to the manner in which processing is done will make it clear, as to how this result tends to take place. The corn, peas, beans, tomatoes or whatever the vegetable or fruit happens to be is placed in thecan and sealed after which it is placed in a suitable cooking receptacle where it is thoroughly cooked. This is called processing during which the top and bottom are subjected to great pressure and are bulged out to-a pointof great tension. If any weakening device has been applied to either end of the can before this processing the danger from leaks is increased one hundred per cent. and may and often does resultin much loss to the packers by reason of the cans burstlng.

The object of my invention is to obviate this objection and it consists in an ordinary can the end of which is in the form of a practically smooth and straight cylinder, in connection with a cover having a straight flange inforcing band.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective, Fig. 2 is a sectional view, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail in section of a portion of the can and top indicating the position assumed by the parts when the cover has been pounded at the edges.

A, represents a can and B the top or cover. The can is of the usual construction and the cover or top is of the usual construction with this variation, that it is provided with the annular bead or rib l the object of which is to keep the cans resting upon this bead or rib when cans are packed for shipment or piled one upon another, which if the weight or pressure were great enough might cause the solderjoint formed to break, if allowed to rest on edge of top.

After the cans have been filled, sealed and processed in the usual manner the sealed can is placed in a suitable machine for the purpose and the groove 0 is cut through the flange of top B to the body portion of the can A, thus entirely severing the lower portion of the flange or burr from the upper portion or cutting the flange or burr into two parts. This groove 0 is preferably V-shaped as shown with the horizontal portion at the bottom and the other side oblique as in this manner greater efficiency results. This groove 0 having been formed, the lower portion of the flange or burr constitutes a reinforcing band keeping the upper edge of the can rigid and preserving its shape when the edges of the top are pounded to remove the latter from the can. Thisrim serves another function which is to form astop or abutment for the lower edge of the flange left remaining on the can, which forces or turns the latter outward. When the can is to be opened a few smart blows are applied to the edge, all around. This causes the extreme upper edge of the can to curl inward and the remaining flange (above the groove formed) to bend outward and thus cause a complete separation of the flange from the can.

It will be observed that the can does not break down and bend except at the extreme upper edge, or above the rim, the rim serving to reinforce and keep the can firm at that point. Hence it follows that the mutilation of the can is slight at most and only at the extreme upper edge and in consequence the can may be filled to the top and in opening the liquor does not spatter, or if at all, but very slightly, which allows a'wider range in its use than with others. Further it will be observed that the can itself requires no special construction and it is not absolutely necessary that the top or cover should be specially constructed as the rib of bead is only to insure against accidental severance of the top from the can due to the weight of pressure of other bodies. Aside from this top or coveris of the usual construction. In short most satisfactory results have been obtained by taking the old style of can, after it has been filled, and sealed and processed, and cutting the groove in or severing the flange or burr. In

this way a most efficient opening device is provided at a trifling expense, capable of application to any can after the sealing and processing shall have been completed.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The combination with an ordinary can the end of which is in the form of a practically smooth and straight cylinder, of a cover having a straight flange thereon, the cover adapted to rest upon the edge of the can and the flange conforming to the shape of the can and soldered to the portion of the can which ing witnesses.

FRANK N. RUSSELL. \Vitnesses:

O. D. GOODRICH, W. D. REYNOLDS. 

